Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who plays in Napoli, which is very close to becoming the champion in Italian Serie A, was honored by being awarded the "Best Foreign Athlete of the Year" award by the Foreign Press Association in Italy.

As a result of the voting made recently by the members of the Foreign Press Association, the 25-year-old Nigerian striker Osimhen received the "Best Athlete of the Year" award for his performance throughout 2022.

At a ceremony held at the Foreign Press Association, headquartered in the capital city of Rome, the award was presented to the star football player by Alba Kepi, Director of the Sports Committee of the Foreign Press Association, and members Dundar Kesaplı, Maarten van Aalderen, Elizabeth Missland and Anadolu Agency Rome Correspondent Barıs Seckin.

Making a statement at the awards ceremony, Osimhen drew attention to the role played by his coach Luciano Spalletti in his development, saying, "Spalletti is an outstanding coach and he is the main reason why we are so good this season. I remember that when he came to the team, he immediately talked to me and said that I would be very important to this team. I have to say a big thank you to him. He's been helping me improve. If I'm playing as the best player, it's because of him."

Reminding that he is associated with the English Premier League teams, Osimhen said, "Premier League? I'm working very hard to get there one day. But right now I enjoy playing in Serie A, which is as difficult as it is beautiful. Italy is the best for me. It's an honor to play in one of the major leagues."

Osimhen praised his teammate, stating that Georgian player Kvicha Kvaratskhelia's assists also played a role in coming forward with his goals. Stating that former football player Didier Drogba is his idol, Osimhen said, "I am also inspired by Samuel Eto'o and Robert Lewandoski."

The Nigerian striker also stated that he dreams of winning the championship for Napoli. "People live here to play football, to support the team. This encourages me to return the love shown to me," used the phrases.

On a question about racism, Osimhen expressed his satisfaction with the interest shown by the fans, but stated that racism continues to be a problem, and that he will continue to talk about it and therefore to fight. Osimhen said that he will continue to play with a mask on the fields for a while due to the problem he had before.